Egypt... A Key Partner in the International Peacekeeping System
Day by day, Egypt continues to affirm its status as a central pillar in upholding international peace and security, through its impactful and consistent presence in United Nations peacekeeping missions and its pioneering experience in preparing troops for these noble tasks that demand the highest levels of competence and commitment.
Egypt’s contribution to peacekeeping began in 1960 with its participation in the UN mission in the Congo. Since then, it has maintained continuous involvement in more than 37 missions across the world, deploying over 30,000 Egyptian soldiers and officers to serve in regions spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Today, Egypt ranks among the top ten troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions globally, the top contributor among Arab countries, and the third among Francophone nations, with approximately 3,000 personnel currently serving in UN missions—especially across the African continent.
This engagement is not just numerical; it is backed by great sacrifices. Egypt has lost 28 of its peacekeepers in the line of duty, a solemn testament to the country’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian values and international cooperation.
Egypt’s contribution extends beyond military and police support to include vital institutional and political efforts. One notable achievement is the adoption by the UN General Assembly, in September 2018, of an Egyptian-sponsored resolution titled “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Implementing a Zero-Tolerance Policy,” aimed at protecting affected communities from abuse within peacekeeping operations. In 2017, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi joined the UN’s “Circle of Leadership” initiative, reinforcing moral commitment in international peace operations.
In February 2021, the UN re-elected Egypt as Rapporteur of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations—a clear reflection of international appreciation for Egypt’s leadership in shaping peacekeeping policies and strengthening the link between peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, as outlined in the “Cairo Roadmap” for peace operations.
Egypt’s role has been widely recognized by senior UN officials. Notably, in May 2023, during the 75th anniversary celebration of UN peacekeeping, the UN honored Egypt among the top contributing countries to international peace and security. UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova, expressed her gratitude by stating: “Egypt has always been a key partner on the path to lasting peace… We salute the courage and sacrifice of Egyptian peacekeepers.”
In July 2019, the UN Police commended the excellence of Egyptian forces, naming them among the top three contributors to its missions. This was accompanied by extensive cooperation with the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA), now a regional and international beacon for training and strategic preparedness in peace and security operations.
Through its clear vision and global responsibility, Egypt continues to enhance the quality of its peacekeeping participation, expanding female involvement, and advancing training infrastructure through specialized programs in coordination with the UN and the African Union. Political solutions to conflicts and strengthening partnerships for sustainable peace remain top priorities.
Through this comprehensive approach, Egypt embodies its vision as a nation of peace—not merely deploying troops, but actively shaping policies and promoting ethical standards in some of the world’s most challenging environments—proving once again that it is, and will remain, a voice of reason, a bridge for peace, and a cornerstone of regional and global stability.
Sources:
• Egyptian State Information Service (SIS)
• United Nations Peacekeeping
• Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA)
